BLM Issues Second Call For Alaska Resource Advisory Council Nominees

Published: June 11, 2010

ANCHORAGE --- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is making a second call for nominations to its statewide 15-member advisory council. The first nomination period ended May 10, 2010. The BLM is seeking 6 qualified individuals that will represent constituents in the following areas of interest: ­energy/minerals (three positions), conservation/environmental (one position), dispersed recreation (one position) and Alaska Native organization (one position).

The Alaska Resource Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations to the BLM on land management issues for 75 million acres of public lands in Alaska.

Members serve three-year terms and may be reappointed for consecutive terms. Council members serve without salary but are reimbursed travel expenses when appropriate. The council includes a cross section of Alaskans from around the state representing energy and minerals, tourism and outdoor recreation; environmental, archeological and historical interests; elected officials, Alaska Native organizations and the public.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others. Nominees should have the appropriate background and experience to give informed, objective advice on a broad array of public lands issues, and a demonstrated commitment to collaboration in seeking solutions to those issues. All nominees must be Alaska residents.

Call the BLM at 271-5555 to request a nomination packet or visit www.blm.gov/ak (select Get Involved, then Advisory Councils/Committees).

Nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from the interests or organizations to be represented. Nominations will be accepted until July 12, 2010. Final selections will be made by the Secretary of Interior.

The BLM manages 253 million acres - more land than any other federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including 75 million acres in Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation.

The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.